Packers 26 Bears 10: Game Balls & Lame Calls

It was a tale of two halves as the Green Bay Packers ended their four-game home stand with an emphatic 26-10 win over the Chicago Bears.  After a first half that ended with a 6-3 score and a slow start to the second half, the Packers sprung to life and rolled to improve to 4-2.  With no running game to be round (nor a running back), it was all about the wide receivers.  Aaron Rodgers threw it 56 times and the leading rusher was a. . . wide receiver in Ty Montgomery.

On with the night's best and worst!

Game Balls

Davante Adams

Many of you were wrong about Adams.  Many of you were right.  Either way, Adams had a career night at Lambeau Field after there was question whether he'd even play.  Adams left last week's game after a head injury and was in the concussion protocol.  He was ultimately cleared and thankfully so for the Packers.  Adams had 13 total catches, 132 yards and two touchdowns.  After struggling all of last season and fighting for his life during training camp, Adams may have finally found his groove in the Packers' offense.  If nothing else, he has become a go to for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.  

Adams is now tied for the league lead with five touchdown catches and, more importantly, he's catching the football.  Adams has that swagger we saw late in 2014 and that makes him dangerous after the catch.  A Davante Adams who wants to fight for yards after the catch. Who isn't happy just hauling it in.  With Jordy Nelson struggling lately, Adams stepping up has been big and timely for the Packers offense.

Ty Montgomery

10 catches for 66 yards weren't bad but it was the ground game contribution that gets Montgomery on this list.  Nine carries for 60 yards including a 30-yard burst to spark the offense in the second half.  The cobra package hasn't yielded many noteworthy results but tonight wasn't the cobra package.  It was Monty in the backfield, straight up.  No tricks, just "this is our back, try and stop him".  Montgomery isn't the fastest nor shiftiest when in the backfield, but he can move well with the ball in his hands.  The Packers seem to have found a nice wrinkle with Montgomery and defenses will have to start honoring it.  That can only create more goodness.

Nick Perry

Perry had a sack and an interception, continuing to add more and more dollars to his next contract.  It took the Packers defense a long time to make a big play but they finally wore down the Bears' offensive line and got in backup quarterback Matt Barkley's face.  Perry was at the forefront of that effort and when the stat sheet is turned in at the end of the game this season, Perry's name continues to be atop it.  I've said it many times, better late than never for Perry.  Let's hope he stays healthy.

Lame Calls

Mason Crosby

Crosby missed his first extra point of the season after a penalty moved it back.  He also had a kick blocked although the blocking was steam rolled and the kick really had no chance.  Crosby has been one of the steadiest presences on this team but on a night where there weren't many bad performers overall, someone had to land here.

Jordy Nelson

One catch, nine yards, one drop.  Nelson lands here for the second week in a row.  He's clearly not himself and whether that's just age catching up with him or this is simply the new Jordy, it's not ideal.  Once the unquestioned go-to for Rodgers, Nelson has been a decoy the last two weeks while Adams, Cobb and Montgomery go to work.  Nelson is a pro's pro.  He lauded his teammates after the game and said they won't get too high nor too low on themselves.  He's a valuable part of this team, but it would be nice if he were making some catches or scoring touchdowns like he did in the first four games.

Injuries

The Packers just can't get a break here.  Running back Don Jackson left the game with a hand injury and didn't return.  At a position already paper thin, the Packers may have to do more maneuvering to bring in two healthy running backs into Atlanta next week.  Knile Davis is the other back and he looked like a guy who just joined this team a few days ago.  Fullback Aaron Ripkowski is the other back, but not a primary carrier.  On the good side, guard T.J. Lang left the game and later returned as did Nelson after limping off late and coming back in.  Lang's return brought a sigh of relief to most of Packers nation, as he was relieved by Don Barclay, who is shaky at best.  

They're unpredictable but injuries are really testing this young team.  The secondary continues to count on LaDarius Gunter and Demetri Goodson without Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins and that's going to be an area to watch closely with the upcoming game against the Falcons and All-Pro receiver Julio Jones.  Hopefully this pseudo bye week will afford the Packers some more time to heal up and get some players back.

 

Others to mention

  • Aaron Rodgers finally broke a passer rating of 100, had no interceptions and looked happy.  What IS that last sentence?!  I never thought mentioning those things individually or together about Rodgers would ever be a thing.  He threw it over 50 times and somehow still has his arm attached.  Everyone get out of the tub and make room for #12!
  • Morgan Burnett is an unsung hero if ever there were one.  His knock down of a late pass that was picked off by Blake Martinez was another example of his improving pass coverage.  His presence is key in the defensive backfield
  • The Bears quarterback situation helped most, but LaDarius Gunter could have done worse against a very good receiver in Alshon Jeffrey.  Decent bounce back after a rough day against Dallas
  • Martinez with the interception was his first and hopefully the first of many to come.  Led the team with five tackles as well
  • Kenny Clark came up big with some great push up front and some Mike Daniels-like swagger.  Mike Pennel with the volleyball spike to bat down a pass.  About time I see a defensive lineman with his hands up to knock down a ball.  Julius Peppers too
  • Datone Jones is still a thing but don't tell opposing offenses. . shhhhhhh!
  • Micah Hyde, please locate the football
  • Randall Cobb, nice bounce back after a rough start 
  • Aaron Rodgers for most of the second half, I'll have another.  Aaron Rodgers who fumbled again, "STOP IT"

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Jason is a freelance writer on staff since 2012 and also co-hosts Cheesehead TV Live, Pulse of the Pack and Pack A Day podcasts.  You can follow him on Twitter here

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Comments (64)

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sheppercheeser's picture

October 21, 2016 at 05:37 am

AR's ball security leaves alot to be desired. He can't let these fumbles happen- gosh, two weeks in a row!

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Bearmeat's picture

October 21, 2016 at 06:24 am

No - It's really been since about week 12 of last year. His ball security has been awful.

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Amanofthenorth's picture

October 21, 2016 at 10:12 am

Reminder... about 75% of the mostly happy posters below cut Davante Adams last year.

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4thand1's picture

October 21, 2016 at 03:07 pm

As usual AR had nothing but praise for Adams after the game. He has been his biggest supporter in GB.

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al bundy's picture

October 21, 2016 at 11:03 pm

I was one of them and until he can do this with consistency, what is he. Its been how long now before he performed up to his draft status? I want to see him do this against good defenses. Otherwise he is a wasted spot on the team

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TKWorldWide's picture

October 21, 2016 at 06:07 am

"Create more goodness": well played!

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Bearmeat's picture

October 21, 2016 at 06:27 am

Game Balls: Adams, Burnett, Monty, Gunter,
Lame Calls: Jordy, Crosby, Rodgers fumble.

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daveh's picture

October 21, 2016 at 06:42 am

I wish I could feel good about this win, but the Bears are not a very good team, a third team QB. This running game will not do it against a good team Rodgers ball security. TT and MM will have go out and make a deal for a top running back..THE PACKERS WILL NOT GO TO THE SUPER WITH MM...

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Charvid's picture

October 21, 2016 at 06:43 am

Kenny Clark had a play where he chased down a RB from behind from the backside. Awesome pursuit...incredible speed for such a large man!

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 21, 2016 at 06:49 am

He is proving that he was a very good pick. Pairing him with Daniels is going to be very good in the future.

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stockholder's picture

October 21, 2016 at 11:32 am

I knew everyone would like him. Still want Raji Back?

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 21, 2016 at 11:54 am

I was one that liked the Clark pick.

I liked Raji, but he won't be back.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 21, 2016 at 06:48 am

I completely agree with the Game Balls and Lame Calls...

Rodgers seemed to get into a Rhythm when he started throwing it to Adams and he started to make plays.

Really curious though, what happened to Nelson? So far he is a shell of himself. He had a great performance against the Lions and since he has been MIA...

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Packer_Pete's picture

October 21, 2016 at 09:01 am

"Really curious though, what happened to Nelson?" -
1) tied for the lead in NFL TDs...
2) Was open a few times, but QB1 wouldn't throw him the ball. The one with the double move would've been a TD if placed correctly...
3) 3 receivers with 10+ catches - only so many throws to distribute the ball...

He may not be what he was before his injury, but I'd take him over most NFL WRs any day. Especially over any of the Bears WRs, and that includes Jeffrey...

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 21, 2016 at 09:43 am

Yes, Nelson has 5 TD's on the season.
But he has 0 in the last 2 games.

Since the Detroit game in which he had 101 yards. he has 107 yards in 3 games. I watched him a number of times and he is not getting open as much.
Yeah, he had a step on the deep ball that Rodgers didn't throw. And maybe he was open on others where Rodgers went elsewhere.

Maybe I'm over reacting but I don't think he has played as well the last couple of games.

I agree i take him over a bunch of players. And some of it probably is still working through the rust, and maybe teams are game planning to take him out, he just hasn't returned to 2014 form yet.

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Packer_Pete's picture

October 21, 2016 at 12:19 pm

no NFL WR has a TD in every game. If that is the standard, then why not disagree with the "Jeffrey is a very good receiver" in the post? After all, that guy has 0 TDs in 7 games now... And he is not very good...

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 21, 2016 at 02:55 pm

I'm not even referring to his TD's. In the last couple of games he has dropped passes, fumbled the ball away, and simple hasn't gotten open consistently.

I personally am questioning if he needs more rest during games. He has been one of the higher snap count players on offense. Perhaps if he got 10 less plays a game he would be more effective on the other plays he is in on...

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dschwalm's picture

October 22, 2016 at 10:44 am

Your post about Nelson, begs the question, PP: WHY would you take Nelson over most of the other WRs in NFL

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L's picture

October 21, 2016 at 09:42 am

I think he's proving to be more of a possession-type of receiver now then the big play downfield threat he use to be, but IMO the Packers should start looking at getting him some snaps inside (in the slot) here and there; especially, when either they move Cobb or Monty into the backfield and the other is off the field. During those moments have Janis or Davis on the outside with Adams. Nelson's size and strength along with his better than a linebacker speed are an asset on the inside while we wait for J.Cook to return.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 21, 2016 at 10:22 am

i did see Nelson get some snaps inside, but I agree. Maybe more would be better.

I would like to see Davis get used a little more often. He has the deep speed, and if they put him outside of Nelson, most DB's will focus on Nelson, not Davis.

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4thand1's picture

October 21, 2016 at 03:10 pm

Nelson drew most of the defenses attention. That's when someone else has to step up. 3 guys did, especially Adams.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 21, 2016 at 06:31 pm

Very true... Though, I'm more referring to the last few games, not just this one.

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Lphill's picture

October 21, 2016 at 07:01 am

I noticed Jake Ryan get bent over funny on a tackle then he was not in after that , saw him standing on the sideline but no mention of an injury.

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L's picture

October 21, 2016 at 09:23 am

Saw that exact same thing and thought we were going to see him being tended to by trainers on the field when they cut back to the game, but there wasn't any trainers on the field which suggested he got off on his own so I suppose it couldn't have been too terrible; however, I don't recall him ever getting back into the game and I did see him standing on the sideline.

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NickPerry's picture

October 21, 2016 at 07:07 am

Game Balls... The Blake and Jake show... These 2 youngsters are going to be a hell of a duo for the next few years.

Clark... He was the one pick I was a bit concerned about, but that kid is quick. Playing next to and learning from Daniels is going to make this Defense tough in the middle, especially against the run. He's playing more because he's earned it.

Lame Calls...The running play AFTER a TO on 4th and goal. I just thought a better play might have been called than Monty into the teeth of a Defense, even the Bears Defense.

Kick Returns.... Twice the Packers started at the 15 yard line because they returned the kick. Take the free gift at the 25 if you're going to run right up the butt of your blockers.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 21, 2016 at 07:33 am

I really didn't like that run call either. Montgomery just doesn't have the size to pound it in there.

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L's picture

October 21, 2016 at 09:28 am

He certainly doesn't have Lacy's size, but he's fairly comparable to all the other backs on this team.

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dschwalm's picture

October 22, 2016 at 10:48 am

JAKE Ryan did absolutely nothing in the Bears game except get in the way of Martinez. He was terrible, NP

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Tundraboy's picture

October 21, 2016 at 07:08 am

Yay

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carusotrap's picture

October 21, 2016 at 07:15 am

I think McCarthy deserves a game ball.

(*bursts into flames*)

No, seriously. I admit I'm still on board with an economy ticket on the first flight out of Green Bay the day after the season ends, but in this one particular situation, MM took the tools he had and schemed for them. QB with no accuracy beyond 15 yards? Check. No running backs? Check. Jordy still not on his game. Check. A play book that can't get a WR open? Check. OK...here's what we do...

And they did it. The elephants in the room are that obviously the Bears are putrid, so it's a lot easier than against a real team. And how come it took MM what, 15 games, to figure this out? Once the RBs actually can find their lockers, do we go right back to 40 yard back shoulder passes sailing out of bounds on 3rd and 2?

I also wonder how secretly pissed Rodgers was about all of this. Yeah, they won, but he's a really smart guy. If WE can see that this scheme was designed to not only deal with having no living breathing RBs on the field, but to also cover up that our QB formerly known as Aaron Rodgers is still a hot mess, AR certainly had to have noticed that the offense was compensating for him. Was this actually a case of MM taking control and telling Rodgers shut up and do what he's told?

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NickPerry's picture

October 21, 2016 at 07:49 am

Did you notice the one real shot down field where they drew the 44 yard PI call? Had Rodgers just threw the ball to the left and a little deeper Nelson could and would have run under it for a TD. I noticed, the announcers noticed, did Rodgers notice?

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 21, 2016 at 07:53 am

I think Rodgers noticed it. He looked pissed after the play.

Also another play Nelson was running down the sideline on a double move. If Rodgers pulls the trigger that could have been a huge play.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 21, 2016 at 07:52 am

I do agree. McCarthy does deserve credit. Considering they had 2 RB's that weren't on the roster 4 days earlier, he did what he had to do with the offense.

Going with Montgomery out of the backfield and going 5 WR's most of the game was smart. He didn't try to stick to the normal offense. He went with what he had and just stayed with it.

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L's picture

October 21, 2016 at 09:40 am

I've been saying they should have been running this type of offense with T.Montgomery in the backfield from the get-go as the primary way to change up the pace from their other successful offensive strength which revolved around using Eddie Lacy in the power run game and the play action passes that could be had off of it. Too bad it required all of these injuries to bring it about and unfortunately we won't have Eddie Lacy and that power run game for at least 8 weeks if not the remainder of the season. Also, IMO we need to stick with running more of these schemed quick passing plays instead of the isolation second-phase stuff.

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stockholder's picture

October 21, 2016 at 11:45 am

I think MM should not be fired. TT has to go first. This game showed Monty is needed badly. He was the threat that opened up the play of Adams. And it cleared the way for Cobb to go over the middle. The Packers can not get away from the west Coast offense. Monty gets separation. And he catches. This may be just what gets A-Rod going as it did last night.

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Amanofthenorth's picture

October 21, 2016 at 05:29 pm

McCarthy isn't leaving Green Bay when he no longer coaches so no train ride. Green Bay is his home and mostly Viking fans want to see him gone.

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dschwalm's picture

October 22, 2016 at 10:55 am

You need to put your finger on the pulse of those fans & writers in Minnesota. They LOVE McFatty in Minny. He's the only reason they have beaten Rodgers the odd time lately.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

October 21, 2016 at 08:57 am

Loved that GB used Monty as a real RB. Often enough he ran a real WR route when he came out of the backfield, and he got a decent match-up too. Also loved that he ran between the tackles. Monty came raise this above being a gimmick.

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L's picture

October 21, 2016 at 09:47 am

I Agree. I've been saying this from the beginning, but to be honest he's still not an ideal candidate to be a power runner between the tackles. He's better off getting delayed hand-offs or draw plays up the gut; plus, cutbacks and outside runs. He's still no Eddie Lacy.

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pilot67's picture

October 21, 2016 at 09:16 am

Could Mongomery become the Packers Matt Forte?

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L's picture

October 21, 2016 at 09:48 am

More like Theo Riddick

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 21, 2016 at 10:13 am

Exactly. Or Darren Sproles...

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NWPackersfan's picture

October 21, 2016 at 09:22 am

Talking about lame calls why was'nt Rip in when we were 1 and goal to go? I could not fathom the decision to not have our Bowling Ball in at that situation.... I was happy to see MM do a few different things with the offense and go for it on 4th down TWICE. We need to find another running back and Corner for insurance purposes. Go Packers!!!!

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L's picture

October 21, 2016 at 11:48 am

At what cost do we add another RB and CB? Who gets cut to make room for another RB and Corner?

I suppose you could make an argument that J.Starks get IR'd which would open a spot for another RB, but I think the Packers still believe in Starks' ability to be a fill-in starter and someone who's capable of being the lead dog in their power runs so perhaps that's why they haven't IR'd him.

I suppose WR J.Abbrederis, SS C.Banjo, and maybe DE/DT C.Ringo are somewhat expendable, so would you let one of them go in order to sign a CB to the roster? If so, who and why of that group would you let go; plus, who would you look to sign and why?

Also, keep in mind that C.Linsley will be returning soon and someone is going to have to be jettisoned for him too.

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pacman's picture

October 21, 2016 at 09:30 am

Most interesting comment on the night - when announcers said that AR's completion % goes DOWN the longer he holds it.

Why can't our WR's get open? They often seem to just sit in their place dancing around hoping the defender will walk away.

Hate to say it but this win only means we have a chance at being a mediocre team. Lots more needed to prove otherwise.

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mrtundra's picture

October 21, 2016 at 09:41 am

I thought a lame call was Janis running the ball out of the end zone, on a kick off, and barely making the 15 yard line. If he would have let it go, we would have had another 10 yards to work with.

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Since'61's picture

October 21, 2016 at 09:44 am

Game Balls: Monty, Adams, OL, Clark, Perry,
Lame Calls: Where's CM3? Goodson, blocked FG

Looks like it's time to transition Jordy to a decoy in this offense at least until, if ever, his burst of speed returns. Cobb and Monty are a nice 2 headed monster. We need to keep them healthy by finding an RB who can run inside so they don't take a beating from the big men. If we had been running this offense all season we probably beat the Vikings with Monty in there and maybe Lacy is still healthy. MM. WTF? Thanks, Since '61

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Bohj's picture

October 21, 2016 at 03:55 pm

61,
I know Jordy had a few bad games in a row with a few drops and turnovers, but I don't think this was a case of bad game Jordy. This was all scheme. Jordy took the Bear's best cover corner all night and the game plan revolved around exploiting the other weak matchups....which they did to a tee. What is concerning is when we meet a team with fantastic corners. Will the WRs ability to get open resurface? I don't know. Maybe they just needed this as a confidence booster to know they could perform. As good as Atlanta's offense is, their D isn't all that. Perhaps another booster for the WRs. Before they know it, they'll believe they can do it against anyone.

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Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

October 21, 2016 at 09:49 am

I was unaware that CM was injured or on personal leave or did not suit up. Did anyone actually see him within the confines of Lambeau? Perhaps he was shooting an ad somewhere.

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L's picture

October 21, 2016 at 11:50 am

Definitely saw him on the play which resulted in B.Hoyer's broken arm (pretty sure it was his impacting hit that did it too) and I know he landed a fairly viscous hit on either Howard or Carey in the backfield on one particular run; plus, I'm pretty certain I recall him getting some pressure on Hoyer earlier in the game too, but outside of those things his play wasn't all that notable and I didn't see him in late in the game (hopefully due to the score and a desire to prevent re-injuring anything verses actually having re-injured something during the game).

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Irish_Cheesehead's picture

October 21, 2016 at 11:48 am

Yes, he was in on several plays. Decent game from CM, but nothing stellar.

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Gman1976's picture

October 21, 2016 at 07:39 pm

I thought the same thing. Then it hit me, "Geez people, the defense held the Bears to 3 points." If CM3 is invisible for the rest of the season & opposing teams score 3 points a game as he makes his teammates look great, I'm all for the invisible man.

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Gman1976's picture

October 21, 2016 at 07:40 pm

I thought the same thing. Then it hit me, "Geez people, the defense held the Bears to 3 points." If CM3 is invisible for the rest of the season & opposing teams score 3 points a game as he makes his teammates look great, I'm all for the invisible man.

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dschwalm's picture

October 22, 2016 at 10:59 am

I saw him when he broke Hoyer's arm along with JP. Were you at the fridge when that happened?

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EdsLaces's picture

October 21, 2016 at 10:10 am

So many good players on D last note. Martinez Clark and Perry wow I'm impressed. Can't wait to see Martinez as he gets more and more comfortable in the nfl.

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Irish_Cheesehead's picture

October 21, 2016 at 11:47 am

I'm really liking this Martinez kid! I wonder how hard it would be to change the name on the back of my old Hawk jersey? I guess it pays to never throw anything out! lol

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L's picture

October 21, 2016 at 11:54 am

I got a Keith Jackson jersey somewhere that I once thought about turning into a Bubba Franks jersey (back during his time with the team), but now perhaps I should consider turning it into a Ty Montgomery jersey.

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jh9's picture

October 24, 2016 at 05:28 am

Lame Call - The play before Davante made that excellent TD catch, I would call a Lame Call. Although I wasn't at the game, the TV POV showed four Packers receivers all running five yards into a defensively packed end zone and stopping because there was no room to run. That play incorporated one of the worst route designs I have ever seen. If anyone has an opportunity to see a replay of this particular play, I would like to hear their take on it.

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Doug_In_Sandpoint's picture

October 21, 2016 at 01:19 pm

I agree...the standard "run up to the defender, turn around and stand there" routes have got to go. So strange that that is our WRs' go-to route. They need to run crisp routes and be moving at all times. I've not seen this with any other team's receivers so it must be coached into them. For what reason I have no idea.

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dschwalm's picture

October 22, 2016 at 11:02 am

Fire the WR coaches! They won't get another job after this debacle in 2015 & 16

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

October 21, 2016 at 01:30 pm

If they can commit to the short passing game and west coast offense the defenses will have to adjust and the deep ball will open up.

It's worked for 2 halves now if you include the 1st half of the Lions game. And they scored a bunch of points during that time.

I just hope Mac and Rodgers will commit to it. However based on thier track record of the last 16 games or so I would not be suprised for them to revert to same Run and Shoot garbage.

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RCPackerFan's picture

October 21, 2016 at 06:40 pm

Very true.
I'm perfectly fine with gaining 5-6 yards every play, and taking a shot once and a while. The biggest key should be to keep getting first downs.

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al bundy's picture

October 21, 2016 at 11:09 pm

The Packers did what they needed to to win. Sad state to see the Bears in but the coach was brought in to rebuild this team and we all know that dont happen overnight. They probably need two more drafts to become competitive.
It will be interesting to see the how the Pack performs against the better teams coming up on the road.

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NMPF's picture

October 23, 2016 at 09:47 am

Lame call- allowing Janis to even see the field other that ST. He totally misread the slant/seam combo and ran right into the LB instead of splitting the seam for a possible big play. Sorry to say but not sure he has the gray matter to be anything but a ST player.

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